HHLA orders hybrid Konecranes straddles for Hamburg

HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort GmbH in Hamburg has ordered eight hybrid Konecranes Noell NSC 644 EHY straddle carriers as part of its strategy to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.

The order was booked in Q4 2025, with the machines expected to enter service by the end of 2026.

The new straddle carriers will be used for container transport between the quay and yard, stacking operations, and landside truck and rail handling. They will replace older diesel-powered units currently performing the same tasks.

Each machine is equipped with a diesel generator set and an onboard battery system, enabling significantly lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions compared to conventional diesel drives, without compromising performance.

The units also feature a powerlift system that comfortably raises the driver to the cab.

Ingo Witte, Managing Director, HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort GmbH, said: “This investment supports our long-term development plans for Container Terminal Tollerort. We have extensive experience with Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers and value their strong performance. Choosing their proven hybrid solution helps us to meet our CO2-reduction goals while maintaining the high productivity we need in daily operations.”

The straddle carriers are based on Konecranes’ latest modular design concept, which allows comparatively easy upgrades to alternative powertrains, including fully battery-electric or hydrogen solutions.

This provides terminal operators with flexibility to adapt their equipment as requirements change.

Peter Kania, Sales Director, Port Solutions, Konecranes, stated: “Our latest design concept was developed to give customers greater flexibility in how their machines are powered. By choosing this configuration, HHLA is protecting its long-term investment as operational requirements and CO2-reduction strategies evolve.”

HHLA operates Konecranes equipment across several terminals at the Port of Hamburg. The latest order further strengthens the partnership between the two companies and reflects a shared focus on operational efficiency and the transition to zero tailpipe emissions.

The agreement also supports Konecranes’ Ecolifting roadmap to zero tailpipe emissions, a step-by-step approach to port decarbonisation covering renewable diesel, hybrid and fully electrified fleets, as well as emerging technologies such as hydrogen.

In January, an Indian container terminal operator placed an order for two Konecranes Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes for its new terminal in India.